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MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks reminded the rugby world what they are capable of with a 96-17 win over Italy in their Pool A match in Lyon on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Italy at OL Stadium in Lyon.

MATCH REPORT: The Stormers got their pre-season underway with a 64-26 win over SWD Eagles in George on Friday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Tonga coach Toutai Kefu has made three changes to the starting line-up to play South Africa in the Pacific Islanders' third World Cup Pool B match in Marseille on Sunday.

WATCH as Handre Pollard and Andre Esterhuizen chat to @king365ed about their expectations for the World Cup face-off with Tonga on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: The Western Force finally got their Challenge Series win, beating the Cheetahs 30-27 at Mandurah Stadium on Friday.

INTERVIEW: Ireland back row Jack Conan credits Andy Farrell and his coaching staff for filling him with "confidence" by telling him despite a foot ligament injury they were keeping him in the World Cup squad.

WATCH as Siya Kolisi talks to @king365ed about his journey from a drunken clown to Springbok captain and one of the country's most respected senior statesmen.

SPOTLIGHT: As a hooker, Eddie Jones wasn't known for his side-step, but the Wallabies coach has continued to use his evasive skills to avoid talking about his ties to the Japan coaching vacancy.

NEWS: English club rugby's bleak financial climate appears to have claimed another victim after Jersey Reds announced they have ceased trading as the sport is being showcased at the World Cup in France.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: Nantes hosts an historic match on Saturday, regardless of the result, as it will be the first-ever meeting of two sides from South America at a World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina head coach Michael Cheika said on Thursday his much-changed outfit to face Chile in the World Cup this weekend can prove him a point.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: Fiji and Georgia enter their showdown in Bordeaux on Friday on quite different emotional trajectories.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies centurion James Slipper will break George Gregan’s record for the most World Cup matches by an Australian when he runs out at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard against Portugal on Sunday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: Scotland will be out to build some momentum in their match against Romania ahead of their crucial Pool B encounter against Ireland a week later.

MATCH REPORT: Japan took a big step on the road to the quarterfinal as they shattered Samoan hearts to win a vital Pool D game by 28-22 in Toulouse on Thursday.

NEWS: The news on the recuperation of France captain Antoine Dupont is "reassuring", according to team doctor Bruno Boussagol, who said he hoped for a "quick return" to World Cup action for the talismanic scrumhalf.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool D match between Japan and Samoa at Stadium de Toulouse

WATCH as Willie le Roux chats to @king365ed about his roles in the Springbok team - as waterboy, communicator, playmaker and defensive organiser.

WATCH as we bring you scenes from South Africa's open training session at Stade Mayol in Toulon on Thursday - one of only two public sessions at the World Cup in France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend made 13 changes to his side to face Romania in the World Cup this weekend.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber speaks about the ongoing flyhalf and goalkicking debate and dishes out a healthy dosage of reality to grumpy fans.

REACTION: Namibia's head coach Allister Coetzee says had they secured their first ever win at a World Cup it could have had the same impact on them as Japan's stunning win over South Africa in 2015 had on the Asian country.

PREVIEW: The Cheetahs announced a very experienced side to face the Western Force in the Challenge Series in Australia on Friday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: Italy head coach Kieran Crowley says there is "no fear' in his squad as they aim to upset the All Blacks in their big Pool A encounter in Lyon on Friday.

NEWS: Straight-shooting former Australia Test captain Stephen Moore says Eddie Jones must come clean on the Japan job and the Wallabies coach should fall on his sword if he has been interviewed.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Experienced prop Brok Harris will lead a 28-man Stormers XV squad in their first pre-season match against the South-Western Districts Eagles at Outeniqua Park in George on Friday.

WATCH episode four of BOKS OFFICE, as host Hanyani Shimange is joined by Springboks legend Jean de Villiers and former flyhalf Butch James.

INTERVIEW: Tadhg Furlong and Andrew Porter may play in the unglamorous position of prop but they epitomise the resilience and character that Ireland head coach Andy Farrell spoke of.

REACTION: Handre Pollard's recall to the Springbok team, after a year in the international wilderness, brings with it some obvious risks.

TRANSFER NEWS: Virimi Vakatawa, regarded as one of the most talented players on the planet, will make his explosive return to rugby in a Bristol Bears jersey.

MATCH REPORT: Namibia missed a chance to break their losing streak after Uruguay produced a brave comeback World Cup win at OL Stadium in Lyon.

Handre Pollard will play his first Test since August 2022 and Marco van Staden will wear the No 16 jersey as replacement hooker for the first time when the Springboks meet Tonga in Marseille on Sunday, as coach Jacques Nienaber rotated his starting team for their final Rugby World Cup pool match.

WATCH as seasoned Springbok utility Kwagga Smith talks about the key aspects of the game in Sunday's World Cup Pool B match against Tonga in Marseille.

TRANSFER NEWS: Utility forward Hendre Stassen has joined the Stormers ahead of the upcoming season.

NEWS: Former Lions scrumhalf Dillon Smit has been appointed as the Head of High Performance at Hoerskool Waterkloof.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks welcome back four players from injury for their Pool A clash against Italy on Friday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: The winner of the Japan-Samoa match in Toulouse on Thursday will stay in contention for the quarterfinals while the loser’s chances of advancing from Pool D will all but disappear.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy are ready for New Zealand's intimidation and bullying tactics, head coach Kieran Crowley said on Wednesday after naming his team to face the All Blacks.

SPOTLIGHT: Lining up against the All Blacks in Lyon on Friday will be a special occasion for Italy forwards Toa Halafihi and Hame Faiva.

SPOTLIGHT: No longer able to hone their skills against South Africa teams in Super Rugby, New Zealand's forwards run the risk of 'going soft'.

SPOTLIGHT: The reemergence of Rassie Erasmus' disco lights have caused a stir. @rugby365com went 'deep underground' to see if we could crack the code and figure out what those signals mean.

NEWS: Tonga's Vaea Fifita will miss the next two World Cup games, against South Africa and Romania, following his disciplinay for the red card he received.

NEWS: France forwards coach William Servat said on Tuesday he had "no doubt" that emblematic captain Antoine Dupont could return from injury in time for a potential World Cup quarterfinal next month.

NEWS: Namibia captain Johan Deysel has been banned for six matches following his dangerous tackle on France captain Antoine Dupont.

WATCH as Springbok scrum coach Daan Human explains how they are going to 'fix' the quagmires that got the better of them against Ireland, as they prepare for a #MustWin Round Four World Cup encounter with Tonga.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina is by a long chalk South America's rugby number one side but Chile back-rower Raimundo Martinez hopes his outfit can catch up with the number two outfit Uruguay "in the next four years."

NEWS: No comment has been forthcoming from the Japan Rugby Football Union regarding the rumours that Australian coach Eddie Jones is exploring a return to Japan.

SPOTLIGHT: Head coach Warren Gatland says 'hard work' is responsible for Wales turning crisis into joy as his team became the first side to reach the World Cup knock-out stages following a record win over Australia.

WORLD CUP, ROUND FOUR: World Cup minnows Uruguay and Namibia clash in Lyon on Wednesday in their own personal 'final' where the winner takes home the glory and the loser faces four years of frustration.

INTERVIEW: Flyhalf Jack Crowley says Scotland will not be taken lightly by Ireland even if the Irish are expected to beat them in their final Pool B match on October 7 and secure their place in the quarterfinals.

REACTION: Former Wallaby captain Stirling Mortlock has said "the worst thing" Rugby Australia can do is sack embattled head coach Eddie Jones, despite the team's poor World Cup campaign.

WATCH as South African coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi explain how they will react to the loss against Ireland.

REACTION: New Zealand flank Dalton Papali'i said on Monday the All Blacks were inspired by watching Ireland's brutal victory over South Africa in the World Cup at the weekend, and they aspire to reach that level.

SPOTLIGHT: Eternally wounded from his own World Cup horror show, former Wallaby loose forward Stephen Hoiles believes less Australian Super Rugby teams is one answer to the country's spectacular fall from grace.

REACTION: South Africa was left to contemplate and reconsider their methodology after losing 8-13 to world No.1 Ireland in a battle of attrition in Paris at the weekend.

NEWS: Munster and the IRFU have released statement on head coach Graham Rowntree's future at the Irish province.

SPOTLIGHT: There are some notable changes in the World Rugby Men's Rankings after the latest round of World Cup matches.

INJURY UPDATE: Frane has been given hope as superstar Antoine Dupont is reportedly on the fast track to return from injury for the World Cup quarterfinals.

SPOTLIGHT: Rugby fans could be in for a sequel to the memorable tussle Ireland and defending champions South Africa served up on Saturday with Irish lock Tadhg Beirne believing they can meet in the Final.

INJURY UPDATE: Stuart McInally was given an emotional send-off from the Scotland squad following Sunday’s victory over Tonga after the veteran hooker was forced out of the World Cup with a neck injury just over a week after being given a late call-up.

WATCH the extended highlights package of the #BIG match of the weekend, Ireland versus South Africa in Paris!

MEDIA REACTION: The Wallabies were blasted by the Australian media after their record defeat to Wales on Sunday left Eddie Jones' side on the verge of an early World Cup exit.

REACTION: Wales coach Warren Gatland insisted the chest injury that forced star flyhalf Dan Biggar off the pitch in Sunday's record 40-6 thrashing of Australia was "not significant."

REACTION: Australia coach Eddie Jones apologised for the Wallabies' record defeat to Wales, but insisted he was "committed" to the job.

MATCH REPORT: Australia's World Cup destiny is now totally out of their hands after they suffered a 6-40 defeat to Wales in their Pool C encounter in Lyon on Sunday.

OPINION: Wales were simply brilliant. They made an admittedly ropey Australian side look an absolute mess as they dominated from front to back and from start to finish in their 40-6 win.

OPINION: The Wallabies have fallen to a demoralising 6-40 defeat against Wales in Lyon, all but ending their hopes of World Cup glory.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Australia at OL Stadium in Lyon.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about the consequences of his team's deflating 8-13 loss to Ireland in Paris at the weekend.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between Scotland and Tonga at Stade de Nice.

OPINION: Scotland’s improbable route to the knockout phase of the Rugby World Cup is still alive after a 45-17 bonus point win over Tonga in Nice.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland kept their quarterfinal hopes alive with a superb 45-17 victory over Samoa scoring seven beautifully crafted tries in the process at Stade de Nice on Sunday.

REACTION: Veteran flyhalf Handre Pollard will feature for South Africa in the 'must-win' World Cup Pool B match against Tonga at Stade de Marseille next Sunday.

STAT ATTACK: Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont has played an integral role in France's rise over the last few years and he is now widely regarded as the world's best player.

SQUAD UPDATE: Italy hooker Luca Bigi has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with an injury to the adductor muscle in his right leg, the Italian federation announced Sunday.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland's epic 13-8 victory over defending champions South Africa had all the ingredients to suggest they could at last be able to erase years of World Cup disappointment.

REACTION: Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus took some time on social media to apologise to South African fans and send a message to referee Ben O'Keefe after the Springboks' crunch World Cup match against Ireland on Saturday.

NEWS: Eddie Jones has been interviewed to take over as Japan coach, reports said Sunday, casting doubt over his future in the middle of Australia's stuttering World Cup campaign.

MATCH REPORT: England scored eleven tries on the trot as they disposed of Chile in their Pool D match at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on Saturday with wing Henry Arundell crossing the white wash five times in their 71-0 win over the South Americans.

REACTION: Steve Borthwick hailed Owen Farrell and Marcus Smith for mixing England a mouthwatering attacking cocktail in the 71-0 Rugby World Cup hammering of Chile.

REACTION: Ireland moved to the brink of the World Cup quarterfinals by beating reigning champions South Africa 13-8 in a low-scoring but thoroughly absorbing match at the Stade de France on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber addresses the 'elephant in the room' - his team's sub-par and erratic goal-kicking.

OPINION: The Springboks will be kicking themselves that they didn't convert more opportunities into points in Saturday's World Pool B encounter against Ireland in Saint-Denis.

OPINION: Ireland have secured a titanic 13-8 win over the Springboks in Paris to give themselves the best possible chance of topping Pool B at the Rugby World Cup – and earning a quarterfinal against the All Blacks.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland made a big statement, beating the defending champions Springboks 13-8 at Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

Before this one-sided fixture was won 71-0, England had managed just 22 tries in 11 games under Borthwick, on average a try every 40 minutes, and their best single-game haul was the five scored against Italy in game two of the head coach’s tenure. So ugly was their play for long periods last Sunday in Nice that they even were loudly booed with Japan still alive and that result in the balance.

REACTION: Los Pumas assistant coach Juan Fernández Lobbe reckons the Argentinians were always in control of the game in their 19-10 victory over Samoa in their Pool D match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Saturday.

Manu Samoa has fallen to their first loss of the World Cup, going down 19-10 to Argentina in Saint Etienne.

Los Pumas are still alive at the Rugby World Cup after sneaking past a valiant Samoa outfit 19-10 in Saint-Etienne on Friday evening.

MATCH REPORT: Raffaele Storti scored two tries to help Portugal to an 18-18 draw with Georgia on Saturday, but Nuno Sousa Guedes missed an injury-time penalty that would have handed them a first-ever World Cup victory.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Georgia and Portugal will be hoping to secure their first points of the World Cup when they face off in their Pool C clash early on Saturday afternoon.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Scotland face a must-win clash with Tonga in Nice on Sunday to stay in contention for a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Wallaby head coach Eddie Jones says his team is in a good position to right the wrongs and bounce back in their must-win World Cup Pool C clash against Wales on Sunday.

NEWS: Antoine Dupont's race to be fit in time for the closing stages of the World Cup with France got underway late on Friday.

ON THE SIDELINE: Many teams at World Cup 2023 have been cooking food together and Scotland are the latest to get in on the action.

WATCH the pre-match show ahead of the #BIG Ireland versus South Africa crunch Pool B match at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

WATCH as South African assistant coach Mzwandile Stick explains why a sudden change in conditions won't discourage the Springboks in their World Cup Pool B crunch encounter with Ireland.

UPDATE: France's talisman and captain Antoine Dupont was set to undergo new tests, after suffering a facial fracture in the win against Namibia this past Thursday.

MATCH REPORT: Emiliano Boffelli steered Argentina to a 19-10 victory over Samoa after scoring all the points in their Pool D match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Saturday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool D match between Argentina and Samoa at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne

LISTEN as Cape Talk radio presenter Clarence Ford chats to @king365ed about all things Springbok and the World Cup!

REACTION: England defence coach Kevin Sinfield said on Friday he expects France captain Antoine Dupont to return quickly from the facial fracture he suffered in the host nation's rout of Namibia.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Former winners England face Chile for the first time in the World Cup on Saturday with all eyes on the returning Owen Farrell.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made four changes to his starting side to face Tonga in Pool B at Stade de Nice on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland has named his 23-man squad to face Australia in Pool C in Lyon on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wallabies vice-captain Tate McDermott and fullback Andrew Kellaway have been named to start for the Wallabies against Wales in Lyon on Sunday.

BREAKING: France captain Antoine Dupont sustained a facial fracture in the record victory over Namibia.

REACTION: France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont may have broken his jaw in a high tackle that forced him off the pitch in the 96-0 World Cup thrashing of Namibia.

PREVIEW: The feature match of Round Three. It is Ireland versus South Africa in their first-ever encounter at a World Cup at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

OPINION: After a rusty second match that saw France’s reserves struggle to shake a feisty Uruguay side, Les Bleus have put Namibia to the sword to right the ship ahead of a well-earned rest week.

MATCH REPORT: France climbed to the summit of Pool A with a comfortable 96-0 win over Namibia at Stade de Marseille on Thursday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool A match between France and Namibia at Stade de Marseille.

NEWS: South African World Cup winner Duane Vermeulen and Argentine back row star Pablo Matera will join up with the Barbarians squad following the World Cup in France. 

WATCH as Ireland coach Andy Farrell gives his takes on South Africa's seven-one bench split and if they considered something similar.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Flyhalf Owen Farrell will captain England against Chile on his return from a ban for this weekend's World Cup pool game.

BOKS OFFICE: Host Hanyani Shimange is joined by Springboks legends Jean de Villiers, Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana to review South Africa's World Cup 2023 thrashing of Romania and their match up with Ireland this weekend.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi speaks about the importance of the 'innovative' approach by coach Jacques Nienaber and Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head Coach Andy Farrell has named his Ireland squad for Saturday's World Cup showdown against South Africa at the Stade de France.

NEWS: Young playmaker Carter Gordon is set to pay the price for the Wallabies' shock World Cup loss to Fiji, demoted to the bench for their must-win clash with Wales.

WATCH as former Ireland flyhalf Ronan O’Gara shared his insight on how Ireland might go about succeeding South Africa’s renowned rush defence.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: Samoa will be looking to win their opening two pool matches for only the third time when they face Argentina in their Pool D World Cup clash at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Friday.

SPOTLIGHT: Despite their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, the Wallabies are in the dark about who will lead the side in one of the biggest games in Australian rugby history.

WATCH Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber talks about the role 'experience' will play in the World Cup Pool B decider between South Africa and Ireland in Paris on Saturday.

REACTION: Italy captain Michele Lamaro praised his team for "embracing the challenge" of a 10-point half-time deficit to run out convincing 38-17 World Cup Pool A winners over Uruguay in Nice on Wednesday.

MATCH REPORT: Italy had to produce a strong second-half performance to see off a gutsy Uruguayan side 38-17 in their World Cup Pool A clash in Nice on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Veteran Matias Moroni was one of three changes made to the Argentina team announced on Wednesday by head coach Michael Cheika to play Samoa in the World Cup this weekend.

INTERVIEW: South African coach Jacques Nienaber not only caused a stir, but ensured there is a massive talking point in the build-up to their World Cup Pool B crunch match against Ireland.

INJURY UPDATE: Uncapped Wallabies rookie Max Jorgensen has been ruled out of the World Cup in France after the youngster fractured his leg at training, with the Australians set to bring in a medical replacement.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell may come to rue the decision not to follow the 'guidelines' of his predecessor, Joe Schmidt, and call up Jean Kleyn for the 2023 World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Wales assistant coach Jonathan Thomas warned on Wednesday that Australia would be like a "wounded animal" before this weekend's high-stakes World Cup game in Lyon.

WORLD CUP, ROUND THREE: France coach Fabien Galthie is taking inspiration from Charles Darwin to prepare for minnows Namibia in Marseille on Thursday in what should be a further step to topping Pool A in the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Prop Cyril Baille and centre Jonathan Danty make their comeback from injuries after being named in the France team to face Namibia in their third World Cup match in Marseille on Thursday.

WATCH as Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok speaks about his face-off with Irish legend Johnny Sexton - one of the key aspects of Saturday's World Cup Pool B crunch match in Paris.

SPOTLIGHT: The way the Springbok Women – and especially their pack of forwards – rallied when under severe pressure made their hard-fought victory over the San Clemente Rhinos very rewarding.

SPOTLIGHT: Eddie Jones knew taking on the Wallabies' job for a second time would be difficult but an early exit was surely never on the veteran coach's World Cup bingo card.

SPOTLIGHT: Irish loose forward Caelan Doris says he is confident Ireland's attack can inflict serious damage on defending champions South Africa if they match them for physicality in their World Cup Pool B match on Saturday.

WATCH as South African coach Jacques Nienaber explains his decision to employ a loaded bench with seven forwards against Ireland.

INJURY UPDATE: All 33 members of Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad trained on Tuesday ahead of the World Cup showdown with the Springboks in Paris.

WATCH as the Stormers revealed their new jersey which is inspired by the passion of their faithful fans. 

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber made 13 personnel changes for Saturday’s third World Cup pool encounter against Ireland.

SPOTLIGHT: World Rugby has published the ranking permutations for the third round of World Cup matches in France.

SPOTLIGHT: People do not remember how you played, they only remember whether or not you win the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Australia's World Cup-defining clash with Wales can't come soon enough for Wallaby coach Eddie Jones, who is still searching for answers about their historic loss to Fiji.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt admits that his team will have a tough battle on their hands trying to stop some of the Springboks' key backline players.

PREVIEW: Italy head into Wednesday's World Cup match against Uruguay in the knowledge that the South Americans will likely have targeted them rather than Pool A heavyweights France and New Zealand.

INTERVIEW: Ireland versus South Africa at Stade de France is building up to be as big and intense occasion as the opening World Cup match between hosts France and New Zealand.

SPOTLIGHT: England coach Steve Borthwick finds himself in the enviable position of overseeing a wealth of riches at fly-half as a returning Owen Farrell joins the mix alongside George Ford and Marcus Smith in the contest to start at No 10.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa will play in their third different jersey at the World Cup, when they face off against Ireland in a crunch Pool B match in Paris on Saturday.

NEWS: Coach Eddie Jones has vowed to protect the Wallabies flyhalf in their sudden-death World Cup pool clash with Wales, although he's yet to reveal if that will be Carter Gordon.

NEWS: Fiji ended a 69-year hoodoo by securing a crucial World Cup win over Australia on Sunday, confirming their status as many people's dark horses for the tournament in France.

SPOTLIGHT: There will be a few South Africans supporting Ireland when they face the Springboks in their crunch Pool B clash at the Stade de France.

INTERVIEW: Handre Pollard will #NOT play for South Africa against Ireland in a crunch Pool B World Cup match in Paris on Sunday.

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: New Zealand prop Ethan de Groot will miss his team's remaining pool games after he received a ban for foul play in the 71-3 win over Namibia.

REACTION: The Springbok Sevens worked extremely hard to prepare for the Rugby Africa Olympic Games 2024 qualifiers which is why the 12-17 defeat against Kenya in the final was extremely disappointing and gut-wrenching for the squad.

INTERVIEW: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus on Monday formally addressed the ongoing and ever-growing rumours about his reported move to Ireland.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Italy’s flyhalf Tommaso Allan is on course to become his country’s all-time leading World Cup points scorer when his side faces Uruguay in Pool A at Stade de Nice on Wednesday.

NEWS: The Cheetahs are on a quest to win R1 million after bagging the first two games of the Challenge Series against the Western Force as they head to Perth next week for the last two games of the series.

SPOTLIGHT: Fiji’s first win over Australia since 1954 has been rewarded with a one-place gain in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.

REACTION: Facing an experienced Test side will always be a challenge for a team like Japan and sometimes the Brave Blossoms need a bit of luck as well, said their coach Jamie Joseph.

REACTION: Wallaby head coach Eddie Jones stood his ground after he was criticised for the lack of experienced playmakers in his squad.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland scrumhalf Conor Murray has warned his teammates that if there is one thing he knows about South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber from his time at Munster, it is to expect the unexpected.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains to @king365ed why they have already made up their collective minds about the team to face Ireland.

OPINION: First, the good news on a balmy night on the French Riviera England eventually won 34-12 to chalk up back-to-back victories for only the second time in this underwhelming Steve Borthwick era, while they also managed to avoid card trouble and keep 15 players on the pitch for the full 80.

OPINION: Despite a promising start to the game, Japan have fallen to a disheartening 12-34 loss to England in Nice on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: England laboured to a 34-12 victory over Japan in their second World Cup match in Nice on Sunday to set themselves up as likely Pool D winners.

BREAKING NEWS: As was expected, flyhalf Handre Pollard will join the Springbok team in Paris on Monday.

OPINION: After the tight loss to Wales last week, Fiji responded with an emphatic 22-15 win against the Wallabies in Saint Etienne to shake up Pool C.

OPINION: Australia’s Rugby World Cup campaign hangs in the balance after losing to Fiji for the first time since 1954 on Sunday evening. The Wallabies were beaten 22-15 in Saint-Etienne.

MATCH REPORT: Fiji has pulled off another famous victory by beating Australia 22-15 for the first time in 69 years at the World Cup in Saint Etienne.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool C match between Australia and Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne.

OPINION: The Springboks continued to fine-tune their squad as they recorded a comfortable 76-0 win over Romania in their second World Cup pool match on Sunday

INJURY UPDATE: Another key player in the Springbok camp has gone down with a knee injury.

MATCH REPORT: The Springboks never went into overdrive as they disposed of Romania in their second Pool B World Cup match in Bordeaux on Sunday, stacking up 12 tries in their 76-0 victory.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Romania at Stade de Bordeaux.

SPOTLIGHT: Already Australia's longest-serving prop, James Slipper says he's not sure if he wants to go past George Gregan's record as the most capped Wallabies player.

The All Blacks are likely to be without Ethan de Groot for their third Pool A fixture at the World Cup after he received a red card in New Zealand's thumping win over Namibia.

NEWS: Portugal wing Vincent Pinto will appear before an independent Judicial Committee in Paris after he received a red card for kicking Wales’ wing Josh Adams in the face during the World Cup match in Nice on Friday.

INTERVIEW: The game's global governing body has turned the sport into a power contest at the World Cup, according to outspoken Australia coach Eddie Jones.

NEWS: Late-blooming hooker Dave Porecki will become the sixth Wallabies captain of the year should lock Will Skelton miss Australia's World Cup clash with Fiji as expected.

NEWS: South African referee Aimee Barrett-Theron made history in Cape Town on Saturday, equaling Englands’ Sara Cox as the most-capped women’s referee of all time when she officiated the Test between the Springbok Women’s team and Kenia in her 35th Test.

WATCH as dual international Jean Kleyn speaks about the unique opportunity of featuring in back-to-back World Cups for different countries.

REACTION: Johnny Sexton said his son will be talking more about his dad becoming Ireland's record points scorer than he will after the Ireland captain recorded another remarkable personal milestone on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Johnny Sexton became Ireland's all-time leading points scorer in a 59-16 win over Tonga in Nantes

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between Ireland and Tonga at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

MATCH REPORT: Wales managed to keep their winning World Cup run intact, recording a hard-fought 28-8 victory over Portugal at the Stade de Nice on Saturday.

OPINION: Wales made it two wins from two on Saturday against Portugal in Nice, but it was far from a vintage performance.

MATCH REPORT: Samoa started their World Cup 2023 journey with a five-try 43-10 Pool D victory over Chile at Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday.

WATCH Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi and fellow World Cup winners Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe enjoying some World Cup action between Samoa and Chile on Saturday.

WATCH as a Springbok returns to training after injury and surprises the coaching staff with his vigour.

SPOTLIGHT: Aaron Smith might be firmly ensconced as New Zealand's number one scrumhalf, but "quiet assassin" Cam Roigard laid down a marker in the win over Namibia that could easily see him promoted to the veteran's deputy.

NEWS: The Wallabies insist they haven't made a final call on injured captain Will Skelton for their World Cup clash with Fiji, however the giant lock was missing from their final training session ahead of the pivotal game.

NEWS: Namibia centre Le Roux Malan has undergone "successful" surgery after suffering a fracture and dislocation to his right ankle, according to coach Allister Coetzee.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: History is not on Fiji's side when they tackle Australia in their World Cup pool C in Saint Etienne on Sunday.

REACTION: Namibia head coach Allister Coetzee knows exactly what needs to happen over the next few years for his team to be more competitive on the international stage.

REACTION: Early forward dominance allowed All Black halfbacks Cam Roigard and Damian McKenzie to run the show in a 71-3 hammering of Namibia in the World Cup in Toulouse on Friday.

PREVIEW: England will bid to build on their impressive opening World Cup win over Argentina when they take on Japan in Nice on Sunday.

PREVIEW: @king365ed looks at the World Cup Round Two face-off between South Africa and Romania in Bordeaux.

SPOTLIGHT: World Cup-winning flyhalf Handré Pollard took a giant leap closer to being called up to the Springbok team - in place of the injured hooker Malcolm Marx - after a successful comeback from injury.

OPINION: The All Blacks have cantered to a 71-3 win over Namibia in Toulouse to get their World Cup campaign back on track following last weekend’s loss to France.

MATCH REPORT: New Zealand bounced back in sublime fashion, beating Namibia 71-3 in the World Cup Pool A match at Stadium de Toulouse on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool A match between New Zealand and Namibia at Stadium de Toulouse.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Steve Borthwick has named his England team to play Japan in their second pool match of World Cup 2023 at Stade de Nice.

REACTION: After an impressive tournament-opening win over New Zealand last week many thought Fabien Galthie's France would have no problems against Uruguay in their second World Cup fixture.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: A much-changed Wales will bid to rack up some points and consolidate their unbeaten status in World Cup Pool C when they take on Portugal in Nice on Saturday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: Samoa fullback Duncan Paia'aua said his side are "fired up" to start their World Cup campaign against Chile on Saturday.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: Despite opening their World Cup campaign with a huge win over Romania, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has called on his team to be more ruthless in their second pool match against Tonga.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the process to decide on a replacement for the injured Malcolm Marx and potential candidates.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Romania loose forward Andre Gorin will make his World Cup debut this weekend at the age of 35 against holders South Africa, head coach Eugen Apjok announced on Friday.

NEWS: The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has warned that it will take legal action against companies that ambush its intellectual property (IP) rights after securing a court order restraining Eskort from continuing a marketing campaign using the Springboks brand and IP.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Test centurion James Slipper will become the third Australian to play in four World Cups named to start at tighthead prop in the Wallabies second Pool C game against Fiji in Saint-Etienne on Sunday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains exactly what happened during the training ground mishap that ruled Malcolm Marx out of the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has revealed his team to face Tonga in their World Cup Pool B clash in Nantes on Saturday.

OPINION: France beat Uruguay 27-12 in a game that surprised many, as Uruguay threatened and France failed to rack up the kind of score fans might have expected.

"Whether you like him or not, Manie Libbok is doing amazing things on the field."

MATCH REPORT: A spirited Uruguayan team pushed France all the way in their World Cup Pool A clash in Lille on Thursday.

OPINION: Bulls Director of Rugby and former Springbok coach Jake White picks his replacement for the injured Malcolm Marx in the Bok squad.

WATCH as Springbok legend Schalk Burger joins Jim Hamilton for a walk and talk along the coast of Marseille.

Warren Gatland transformed Wales into an ultra-competitive team when he took over as coach and the Kiwi is again relying on turning the Welsh side into one that is "bloody hard" to beat.

NEWS: Scotland hooker David Cherry has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after suffering a head injury when he slipped on stairs at the team hotel, the Scottish rugby federation announced Thursday.

TRANSFER NEWS: Loosehead prop Sti Sithole is back where it all began on his professional rugby journey, having signed with the Stormers.

SPOTLIGHT: The Wallabies' front row stocks to face Fiji have taken a hit with key strike weapon Taniela Tupou under an injury cloud ahead of their crucial World Cup pool match in Saint-Etienne.

WORLD CUP, ROUND TWO: New Zealand's bid to bounce back following their opening World Cup defeat by France will be accompanied by a gigantic task for Allister Coetzee's Namibia side.

NEWS: The Springboks suffered a hammer blow with the news that one of their key players has been ruled out of the World Cup.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the reasons behind the selection of four scrumhalves in the matchday squad to face Romania in Bordeaux.

NEWS: World Cup 2023 organisers confirmed that "enhancements" have been made to national anthems.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber gives an injury update and it is not good news.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina are a strong unit who will bounce back from their disappointing performance in the 27-10 World Cup loss to 14-man England, veteran hooker Agustin Creevy said on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named Ardie Savea as captain to lead the side in their second World Cup pool game to face Namibia in Stadium de Toulouse on Friday evening.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber has revealed his matchday squad to face Romania in Sunday's World Cup Pool B clash in Bordeaux.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales coach Warren Gatland has made 13 changes to the starting XV to play Portugal in their second World Cup Pool C match in Nice on Saturday.

NEWS: In terms of ranking permutations, it will be a relatively quiet weekend of World Cup action with only two out of eight games that can have an impact.

REACTION: The All Blacks will not be following in the Springboks' footsteps anytime soon when it comes to innovative ideas to get messages across to players during games.

SPOTLIGHT: Steve Hansen has been at the World Cup five times as a coach, but this time round he is there as an advisor and spectator.

NEWS: Franco Smith, head coach of Glasgow Warriors, has put pen to paper on a new contract that will see him remain at Scotstoun until at least the summer of 2026.

SPOTLIGHT: England's awful form leading into the World Cup in France was part of a fitness master plan inspired by renowned Australian swim coach Bill Sweetenham.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Les Blues head coach Fabien Galthié has made 12 changes to his starting XV to face Uruguay in the World Cup in Stade de Pierre-Mauroy in Lille on Thursday.

INTERVIEW: Tongan fans "are getting warm" as the 'Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles) prepare for their World Cup opening match with world ranked No.1 Ireland in Nantes on Saturday.

PREVIEW: France head coach Fabien Galthie may have made wholesale changes to his side for Thursday's World Cup game with Uruguay in Lille, but he refuses to take them lightly.

WATCH as utility forward Deon Fourie chats with @king365ed about the prospect of finally making a World Cup appearance and playing at hooker.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Hosts France made a clear statement of intent, with a very 'miserly' approach to the game.

INTERVIEW: New Zealand scrum coach Greg Feek said his side expected Namibia's pack to put up a tough fight in their World Cup meeting.

TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks wing Julian Savea, the joint record try-scorer in Super Rugby history, will play for Auckland-based franchise Moana Pasifika in the 2024 season.

WATCH as Springbok backline coach Felix Jones chats to @king365ed about the selection poser they have at No.12.

SPOTLIGHT: His tally might not have matched Thierry Dusautoir's match record of 38, but Wales lock Will Rowlands' 27 tackles were crucial in the nail-biting win over Fiji in both sides' World Cup opener.

NEWS: England's Tom Curry has become the latest England player to receive a suspension for foul play.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES: South Africa have the 'W' behind their name, but they were perhaps not as convincing as the 18-3 scoreline against Scotland suggest.

SPOTLIGHT: Boosted by seven players with Fijian heritage in their World Cup squad, the Wallabies are preparing for a physical - and emotional - onslaught in their crucial World Cup pool clash against the Pacific islanders.

PLAYER UPDATE: South Africa will have two key members of their squad available for the crunch World Cup pool match against Ireland.

INTERVIEW: With a scrum and a pack of forwards functioning at only about 60 percent of their capacity, Daan Human had a few choice words to say to the South African team in Marseille at the weekend.

SPOTLIGHT: The task of succeeding Irish talisman Johnny Sexton has been beyond some but in Jack Crowley Ireland may have at last found their man.

NEWS: Declining Eddie Jones's jovial offer of a gold jersey, Steve Hansen is back in black - and the Kiwi camp couldn't be happier.

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has described his new recruit as a "valuable asset" for the upcoming season.

WATCH as we bring you all the extended highlights from the opening weekend at World Cup 2023!

WATCH the brilliant comebacks of Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi after yet another parcel of criticism aimed at flyhalf Manie Libbok

LISTEN as Cape Talk radio presenter Clarence Ford chats to @king365ed about all things Springbok and World Cup!

All Black captain Sam Cane and centre Jordie Barrett are set to spend another week on the sidelines due to injuries.

NEWS: World Cup 2023 got off to a pulsating start this weekend with several changes to the top 20 in the world rankings.

REACTION: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has come out in defence of veteran centre Jesse Kriel, in the wake of the fall-out in the United Kingdom media over a reported head clash.

REACTION: Head coach Simon Raiwalui said Fiji did the country proud, but admitted more Tests against SANZAAR or Six Nations unions will put them on a level playing field.

NEWS: Former Springbok wings Rosko Specman and Travis Ismaiel were both named in an experienced and multi-skilled Springbok Sevens squad that will travel to Harare on Thursday for the Africa Olympic Games qualifiers.

INJURY UPDATE: Star Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is expected to be sidelined for seven to 10 days with a shoulder injury.

NEWS: Englands’ defence coach Kevin Sinfield says George Ford produced a ‘masterclass’ and was faultless in Englands' World Cup victory over Argentina on Saturday.

REACTION: Head coach Warren Gatland said Wales's nerve-wracking 32-26 victory over Fiji on Sunday in a pulsating World Cup match was "pretty significant" although he added he had been "pretty angry" at his side's chaotic end to the match.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the return of the 'disco lights' as a means of communication with the players on the field.

MATCH REPORT: Wales survived a couple of nervy final minutes to record a 32-26 win over the Fiji in a pulsating encounter in Bordeaux on Sunday.

NEWS: The Springboks will be keeping a close eye on one of their star players in the coming days.

OPINION: A single knock-on - that will be the reason many cite when trying to figure out how Wales won a match that they probably deserve to lose.

OPINION: The Fijians opened their World Cup against Wales in Bordeaux with a 26-32 loss that went right down to the wire.

OPINION: The Springboks were not at their best in their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday, but they still managed to outplay Gregor Townsend's side with their powerful forwards.

OPINION: Scotland were in the fight for 40 minutes, but fell away after the break as the defending champions took charge in Marseille.

MATCH REPORT: South Africa started their World Cup title defence with an 18-3 win over Scotland at Stade de Marseille.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Scotland at Stade de Marseille.

NEWS: The France 2023 Organising Committee confirmed that it is taking steps to improve access to Stade de Marseille.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: England loose forward Tom Curry will appear before an independent Judicial Committee after he received a red card in his team's World Cup opener against Argentina in Marseille on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Japan were made to work hard for their 42-12 win over debutants Chile in their World Cup Pool D match in Toulouse on Sunday.

REACTION: Australia head coach Eddie Jones said Saturday's 35-15 victory over Georgia was the "perfect" start to the Wallabies' World Cup campaign.

MATCH REPORT: Three drop goals by George Ford sealed a brilliant victory for England as they disposed of Argentina by 27-10 with 14 players in their World Cup opener in Marseilles on Saturday night.

REACTION: Ireland recorded their best ever World Cup victory (82-8) over Romania. . We bring you three things learned from the match.

REACTION: Argentina coach Michael Cheika said nothing went the way of Los Pumas in a comprehensive 10-27 loss to a 14-man England side in both teams' World Cup Pool D opener on Saturday.

REACTION: England overcame a potentially dangerous World Cup opener against Argentina on Saturday thanks to the prolific boot of George Ford as Ireland welcomed back their dynamo Johnny Sexton.

An ill-disciplined and error-riddled Argentina started their World Cup campaign disastrously in Marseille, losing to an England side that had their full complement of players for only the opening few minutes of the match.

England player ratings from Liam Heagney live in Marseille: This was the moment of truth, the night when it all supposed to become all right in the England tenure of Steve Borthwick and it miraculously did just that despite a red card for Tom Curry.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup Pool D match between England and Argentina at Stade de Marseille.

WATCH as Cheslin Kolbe previews South Africa's World Cup opener against Scotland in Marseille on Sunday.

OPINION: The Wallabies got back into winning ways with a 35-15 win over Georgia in their opening pool stage clash in Paris.

MATCH REPORT: The Wallabies recorded their first win of the year when they defeated Georgia 35-15 in their World Cup Pool C opener in Saint-Denis on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland made a big statement, beating Romania 82-8 at Stade de Bordeaux on Saturday.

PREVIEW: @king365ed looks at the Round One, Pool B encounter between defending champions South Africa and Scotland!

SQUAD: France will be getting some key players back from injury ahead of their upcoming pool matches.

REACTION: The fans have gone into meltdown mode over South Africa's new away jersey, to be worn in their World Cup opener against Scotland in Marseille on Sunday.

MATCH REPORT: Italy's second-half show made sure they kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 52-8 win over Namibia at Stade Geoffrey-Guichard in Saint-Étienne on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: It seems that Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie is not looking forward to competing in the scrums against the Springboks.

PREVIEW: Japan are hoping that opening their World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Chile will give their Group D campaign in France a sense of deja vu.

REACTION: The All Blacks found themselves on the wrong side of history in the opening match of the World Cup 2023 on Friday.

REACTION: Les Blues coach Fabien Galthie said his team was caught up by the atmosphere in the Stade de France stadium but he was proud of how his side disposed of the highly rated All Blacks in the World Cup opener on Friday night.

PREVIEW: Wales open their World Cup campaign with a tricky Pool C match against a Fiji side brimming with confidence in Bordeaux on Sunday.

OPINION: A Mark Telea try gave New Zealand the lead just two minutes into the Rugby World Cup 2023 opening match in Paris, but France came back through the phenomenal boot of Tomas Ramos and some standout performances up front, resulting in the All Blacks‘ first ever pool loss in the tournament’s history.

MATCH REPORT: The All Blacks lost their first-ever World Cup pool match when they went down 13-27 to hosts France in this year's opener in Saint-Denis on Friday.

OPINION: In the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, it was the visitors New Zealand who struck first against hosts France, with Mark Telea touching down following a passage of strong attacking play from the All Blacks.

READERS' FORUM: Welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup opening match between hosts France and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

NEWS: New Zealand captain Sam Cane was a late withdrawal for Friday's World Cup opener with France in Paris, according to the tournament organisers' official teamsheet.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi reveals who the team's 'best' disc jockey is and what music he listens to before matches.

PREVIEW: Australian forward packs have previously relied on a combination of brains and brawn to get the better of their beefy rugby rivals, but not any more.

OPINION: Ireland’s position as the leading team is under threat this weekend from South Africa, New Zealand and France.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber addresses the grapevine whispering that has linked his team to a supposed 'spy scandal' at the World Cup in France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Mercurial flyhalf Finn Russell will pull the strings for Scotland when they take on South Africa in Marseille on Sunday after coach Gregor Townsend named the squad for what is a crucial World Cup clash.

PREVIEW AND PREDICTION: England and Argentina will enter the World Cup fray in Marseilles on Saturday in what is widely regarded as the defining clash of Pool D. 

PREVIEW: Ireland begin their World Cup campaign against Romania in Bordeaux on Saturday and the Six Nations Grand Slam winners will want to deliver a performance that suggests they can at last progress beyond the quarterfinals.

REACTION: Courtnall Skosan said that the opportunity to return to Cape Town and play for the Stormers was one that he couldn't pass up.

INTERVIEW: RG Snyman is not your typical Springbok lock - neither in the type of game he plays nor in the way he carries himself.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: England coach Steve Borthwick has put his trust in Alex Mitchell and Jonny May for the World Cup opener against Argentina in Marseilles on Saturday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Argentina coach Michael Cheika named an experienced side to play their World Cup Pool D opener against England in Marseille on Saturday.

SPOTLIGHT: Hosts France play New Zealand in the opening game of the World Cup on Friday in a highly-anticipated match-up between two of the tournament favourites.

INTERVIEW: Pieter De Villiers, Scotland scrum coach, has warned his compatriots South Africa that there would be 'no place to hide' at Stade de Marseille on Sunday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Talisman Johnny Sexton will make his first competitive appearance since March this weekend after he was picked to captain Ireland in their World Cup opener against Romania.

PREVIEW: Namibia's head coach Allister Coetzee picked an experienced line-up for the African nation's World Cup opener against Italy in Saint-Etienne this weekend.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Wales head coach Warren Gatland named an experienced side to face Fiji in Bordeaux on Sunday, with George North set to appear at his fourth World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: Coach Jacques Nienaber was reluctant to share too much detail on the subject, but Toulon's searing heat - as dangerous as it is - is also an ally for South Africa.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Coach Eddie Jones has pulled another huge selection shock.

NEWS: New Zealand head coach Ian Foster said on Thursday that his side is "at peace" with however France reacts to the Haka in the World Cup's opening game.

REACTION: SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer says the sale of Newlands Stadium will be the final step in the process before the Western Province Rugby Football Union can return to its "traditional strength and stability".

NEWS: The Stormers have confirmed that former London Irish fullback Ben Loader has joined them ahead of the 2023/24 season.

RWC 2023 OPENER: The wait is finally over and we are now set to witness a humdinger between two giants of the game in Friday's opening match between hosts France and the All Blacks at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

NEWS: Minnows Romania can return to the days when they were a match for top-tier rugby teams like France if the government invests in the sport, 'The Oaks' consultant Vern Cotter has told AFP.

STATISTICAL INSIGHT: South Africa opens their World Cup title defence with a tricky encounter against Scotland at Stade de Marseille on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: New Zealand fullback Beauden Barrett believes the World Cup will be a "fantastic" event which he hopes will start with a revenge victory over hosts France in Friday's opening game.

TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Dynamic scrumhalf Antoine Dupont will lead France into a home World Cup with hopes high that he can spark a first Northern Hemisphere victory in 20 years in the sport's quadrennial showpiece.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France coach Fabien Galthie has named his side to face New Zealand in their World Cup opener this weekend at Stade de Francais.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: All Black coach Ian Foster picked a star studded side for their World Cup opener against hosts France at Stade de France on Friday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber explains the absence of utility back Canan Moodie and lock Jean Kleyn from the matchday selection.

NEWS: The future of the professional game in the Western Cape was 'saved' when the Western Province Rugby Football Union clubs finally came to their senses.

REACTION: France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Wednesday it was "an honour" for the host nation to play New Zealand in the World Cup's opening match as he named a team including Yoram Moefana.

INJURY UPDATE: Wallaby centre Samu Kerevi has been passed fit and is available for Australia's first game in the World Cup against Georgia, the team's scrum coach Neil Hatley said on Wednesday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has named his squad to take on Scotland in their World Cup 2023 opener on Sunday. 

SPOTLIGHT: Irish rugby legend Paul O'Connell hopes his memories of this World Cup will be happier than his final one as a player in 2015 when Ireland once again failed to get past the quarterfinals.

The Wallabies no longer have a golden glow, but scrumhalf great Will Genia believes they can still shine at the World Cup 2023, saying Australia have more upside than other contenders.

WATCH as veteran Springbok Steven Kitshoff sits down for a one-on-one with @king365ed ahead of their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday.

INTERVIEW: When Sonny Bill Williams retired from the game, after the 2019 World Cup, he brought an end to one of the most glittering careers in the sport.

NEWS: World Rugby announced that it will implement transformative measures to protect all match-day officials and team squad players from online abuse during the World Cup 2023 in France.

SPOTLIGHT: We decided to 'crunch the numbers' and see which country in World Cup 2023 has the most home-grown players and who the lead.

NEWS: Fiji flyhalf Caleb Muntz, who scored 15 points in the historic Test win over England last month, has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a knee injury, said coach Simon Raiwalui.

NEWS: John Eales knows what it takes to win a World Cup but the former Wallabies skipper says who will take this year's title in France is anyone's guess.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Former Ireland and Ulster legend Stephen Ferris believes Ireland will go all the way to the final but South Africa will edge them to retain their World Cup title.

NEWS: England scrumhalf Danny Care said he had never given up the "dream" of playing at another World Cup despite the pain of missing out four years ago.

NEWS: Australian lock Richie Arnold says Australia will "get stung" if they under-estimate their first World Cup opponents Georgia on Saturday at the Stade de France.

NEWS: Wales co-captain Dewi Lake said on Tuesday he is fit to face Fiji in their opening World Cup game this weekend.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok hooker Schalk Brits has made some bold World Cup 2023 predictions.

NEWS: Springbok and Ulster-bound prop Steven Kitshoff has risen to the No.1 spot in the latest update to the United Rugby Championship Top 100.

WATCH as the French master of ceremonies struggle with the pronunciation of South African names - as they do in most countries.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Scotland know exactly what to expect from South Africa in their World Cup 2023 opener on Sunday reveals lock Scott Cummings.

INTERVIEW: Former New Zealand captain Wayne 'Buck' Shelford, often dubbed 'the hardest man to play the game', knows better than most the highs and lows of playing Les Bleus.

SPOTLIGHT: William Webb-Ellis may or may not have been the creator of rugby but the residents of the French Riviera town of Menton where he is buried have embraced the Englishman as one of their own.

SPOTLIGHT: Before France takes on New Zealand in the opening game of the World Cup the hosts will have to face the ferocious challenge laid down by the All Blacks in the haka.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa was formally welcomed to the World Cup in France at an unrivalled and an extravagant ceremony at La Tour Royale in Toulon on Monday.

REACTION: French lock Bastien Chalureau on Monday rejected accusations he is a racist in an affair that has overshadowed hosts France's preparations for the World Cup.

NEWS: The All Blacks could be without another key player when they face France in Friday's World Cup opener.

SPOTLIGHT: England captain Owen Farrell said he has accepted the "mistake" that will see him miss the start of the World Cup campaign, but remains excited for the tournament despite his side's dreadful form.

SPOTLIGHT: All Black legend Dan Carter believes Handre Pollard's experience will be sorely missed in the Springbok squad during the World Cup.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the advantages of the pre-World Cup camp and looks forward towards the opening match against Scotland.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell says his side face an uphill battle to emerge from a stacked World Cup group that includes holders South Africa and the world's top-ranked side Ireland.

TRANSFER NEWS: Promising Stormers flyhalf Kade Wolhuter has agreed to a loan deal with the Lions ahead of the 2023/24 United Rugby Championship season.

SPOTLIGHT: A trio of Barrett brothers will play for New Zealand at the World Cup, but according to Beauden Barrett, a fourth sibling had also been on course to wear the famous All Blacks jersey until injury prematurely ended his career.

SPOTLIGHT: From in-form wings to a generational Georgian talent and a co-captain with just 11 caps to his name.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi explains why they feel 'at home' in the port city of Toulon on the French Riviera on the Mediterranean coast.

NEWS: Wales great David Watkins - the only man to captain the British Lions in both rugby union and rugby league - has died aged 81, it was announced Sunday.

OPINION: @king365ed puts his selection hat on and names the team he feels will be good enough to give the defending champions a wincing start at the World Cup.

NEWS: Former Wales loose forward Alix Popham was hospitalized with a suspected concussion while he was competing at the Wales Ironman.

SPOTLIGHT: Japan coach Jamie Joseph said that despite "a mass of problems" his team was preparing to scale Everest at the World Cup.

NEWS: The Springboks arrived at their World Cup base in Toulon on Sunday morning in high spirits after a ten-and-a-half-hour ferry overnight trip from Corsica.

NEWS: A bizarre incident in the Top 14 clash between Clermont and La Rochelle has grabbed headlines after former Irish international and La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara was attacked by an opposition player.

Former All Black head coach Steve Hansen has opened up on the 2019 semifinal defeat to England which ended hopes of three consecutive World Cup titles.

SPOTLIGHT: Warren Gatland faces a monumental task in his bid to take Wales to a third World Cup semifinal under his watch, but the Kiwi coach insists his team will do "something special" in France.

SPOTLIGHT: South Africa's Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus says the Springbok camp didn’t pay much attention to all the outside noise around the make-up of their bench against the All Blacks at Twickenham.

NEWS: Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui said on Saturday his side's record ranking of seventh has no impact on their preparation for the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: For New Zealand forward Tamaiti Williams, a visit to a First World War cemetery ahead of the World Cup in France provided an unexpected and emotional link to his family heritage.

REPORT: The Cheetahs made it two wins from two matches in the Challenge Series with a 27-12 win over the Western Force in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Bulls Director of Rugby and former Springbok coach Jake White shares his thoughts on South Africa's record win over the All Blacks

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber wants his players to express themselves in the best way possible at the World Cup, even if it means going a bit off script.

NEWS: The Gold Cup – featuring 32 teams from around South Africa – kicks off in September following a four-year hiatus and will introduce a new and exciting knock-out format, which has never been seen before in the nationwide club competition.

SPOTLIGHT: Ireland need more players to step up as leaders to help talismanic skipper Johnny Sexton and play more expansively if they are to be genuine World Cup contenders, former Irish fullback Hugo MacNeill has told AFP.

NEWS: The Western Force are on the lookout for a new chief executive after parting ways with Tony Lewis.

SPOTLIGHT: England head into the World Cup arguably at their lowest ebb since the inaugural 1987 edition and with a favourable draw no longer offering much comfort.

SPOTLIGHT: Argentina arrived at their World Cup base on the Brittany coast on Friday where wing Juan Imhoff declared he could feel "the pressure building".

SPOTLIGHT: Less than a week before the World Cup, with expectations rising in the squad and among the home fans, France captain Antoine Dupont says the hosts "have to win" the opener against three-time champions New Zealand.

NEWS: France suffered another big blow to their hopes of winning the World Cup.

SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks will be out to nullify Scotland's dangerous backline in their World Cup opener, but they are also aware that it all starts with the forward battle.

NEWS: Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has followed through on his touted coaching clean-out, replacing all of former mentor Brad Thorn’s assistants ahead of his first Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The World Cup will soon be upon us and now is the time to plan your viewing pleasure.

PREVIEW: Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie admitted it is difficult to simulate European conditions in Bloemfontein and Perth, so he will use Saturday's game to give a whole batch of different players some much-needed game time.

SPOTLIGHT: Scotland need some magic from a reformed Finn Russell if Gregor Townsend's men are to upset the odds just by making it out of a devilishly difficult World Cup pool.

OPINION: @king365ed unpacks the key aspects of the crucial vote at a WPRFU General Council meeting next Wednesday, September 6.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby head coach Eddie Jones applauded South Africa's "bold" use of their replacements against the All Blacks, but he is not using it as a source of inspiration ahead of the World Cup.

WATCH as Springboks Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok speak at the team's Corsica training camp ahead of the much-anticipated World Cup.

INTERVIEW: Marcell Coetzee is confident that the Bulls will reap the rewards of the World Cup experience some of their young stars will gain as they look to the coming season.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok legend Morne Steyn has no doubt that Manie Libbok is capable of delivering in the Green and Gold No.10 jersey at the World Cup in France.

SPOTLIGHT: Wallaby head coach Eddie Jones addressed his media blow-up in Sydney before his squad boarded the plane to Paris earlier this month.

NEWS: Italy have a huge task facing them as Kieran Crowley's talented young team try to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time.

NEWS: Georgia's presence at their sixth successive World Cup since 2003 is a remarkable achievement given that they only joined the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) in 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

SPOTLIGHT: Japan should have been riding a wave of momentum after hosting a successful 2019 World Cup but the Covid-19 pandemic has hampered efforts to build on their success.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber addresses the media at the team's training camp on the Mediterranean island of Corsica.

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby's governing body was branded "not fit for purpose" in a scathing independent report published Thursday into the country's governing body.

NEWS: France centre Jonathan Danty is a doubt to face New Zealand in next week's World Cup opener due to a hamstring injury, the French Rugby Federation (FFR) said on Wednesday.

NEWS: Flyhalf Handre Pollard has officially left the Springbok camp ahead of the World Cup.

OPINION: The discussion around the Springboks’ seven-one split between forwards and backs on the bench for the Test against New Zealand last week has caused a lot of reaction around the world.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber speaks about the ever-improving midfielder called André The Giant.

SPOTLIGHT: There used to be a lazily-used cliche about France claiming "you never knew what French team would turn up" but in the build-up to this year's World Cup that remark has been consigned to the past.

STAT ATTACK: The Springboks are rated third-best to secure the 2023 World Cup in France.

SPOTLIGHT: In an exciting development for enthusiasts around the world, World Rugby unveiled the official World Cup 2023 Fantasy game.

REACTION: All Blacks coach Ian Foster said it was a "great result" that Scott Barrett avoided a World Cup ban after being sent off against South Africa.

SPOTLIGHT: @king365ed unearths details of, and the people behind, the new Stormers equity deal on the table of the Western Province Rugby Football Union.

NEWS: A British armed forces player was found dead on Tuesday in France's Brittany region where the World Defence Rugby competition is being held, a prosecutor said.

WATCH as Springbok and Bulls legend Morne Steyn reveals the real reason why he opted to join the Lions.

NEWS: The Western Province Rugby Football Union's General Council will meet on Wednesday, August 30, when a ground-breaking equity deal will be presented to the union's primary club stakeholders.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the reasons behind the decision to play with seven forwards and just one back, as well as their future plans for the bench.

SPOTLIGHT: Former All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen says that New Zealand will come out ‘sharper’ in two weeks’ time after the 7-35 Twickenham defeat to South Africa.

REACTION: South Africa’s 35-7 win over New Zealand has put their pool rivals on notice, including Ireland, who will face the Springboks in their third pool match.

INTERVIEW: Coach Eddie Jones has conceded the Wallabies win-loss record heading into the World Cup isn't good enough but feels they aren't far away from clicking.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Georgia coach Levan Maisashvili said he wants more games against leading sides as he named his squad for this year's World Cup.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: New Zealand lock Scott Barrett has avoided a ban after being shown a red card in last weekend's record loss to South Africa, World Rugby announced on Monday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Cheetahs received some good news as head coach Hawies Fourie signed a new contract with the Bloemfontein franchise.

UPDATE: Seven of the top 10 teams find themselves in different positions in the World Rugby Rankings after the final round of World Cup warm-up clashes.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Coach John Dobson has identified four key areas Stormers need to improve in their pursuit to clinch the United Rugby Championship title this season.

DISCIPLINARY NEWS: The All Blacks face an anxious wait after Scott Barrett has been cited following his red card against South Africa at Twickenham.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks why playing Canan Moodie at outside centre against Rieko Ioane was not as big a risk as most people felt.

The final warm-up matches for this year's World Cup took place this weekend with holders South Africa hammering New Zealand on Friday and Fiji stunning England among the standout results.

REACTION: Ireland coach Andy Farrell said veteran prop Cian Healy was "devastated" after missing out on the World Cup squad due to injury.

REACTION: Australia coach Eddie Jones said on Sunday he remained "confident" of his side's chances at the World Cup.

REACTION: Coach Fabien Galthie said France must "go up another level" after breezing past Australia 41-17 in their final World Cup warm-up on Sunday.

TEAM UPDATE: England has confirmed that Jonny May has replaced Anthony Watson in their squad for the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ireland coach Andy Farrell has had his selection hand forced by injury ahead of the World Cup.

MATCH REPORT: Eddie Jones' winless return to Australia continued with another horror story in Paris on Sunday, a humbling 17-41 loss to World Cup hosts France.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between France and Australia at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

TRANSFER NEWS: The Sharks continued their off-season recruitment by luring another Springbok to Durban.

REACTION: South Africa and Scotland are set to face off in pivotal pool match in the opening round of the World Cup, in Marseille on September 10.

REACTION: A historic win by Fiji over England has reminded Australia and other Pool C rivals that advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals is no guarantee.

NEWS: The All Blacks are holding thumbs that prop Tyrel Lomax will recover in time for the World Cup after sustaining a deep gash on his upper leg in the loss against the Springboks at Twickenham on Friday.

MATCH REPORT: The Bulls gave Namibia coach Allister Coetzee food for thought ahead of the World Cup in two weeks after their 43-30 victory over the Welwitschias at the Vegkop Stadium in Windhoek on Saturday.

Los Pumas player ratings: Argentina put on an impressive display against Spain at the Civitatis Metropolitano in Madrid, leaving their opponents chasing shadows throughout the match played in high temperatures and high pace.

MATCH REPORT: Argentina scored nine tries in a 62-3 rout of Spain in a Rugby World Cup warm-up on Saturday.

NEWS: Wales flyhalf Dan Biggar has announced he will retire from international rugby union after the upcoming World Cup in France.

MATCH REPORT: Ireland hung on desperately to edge Samoa 17-13 their final World Cup warm-up match in a rainy Bayonne on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Scotland wrapped up their World Cup warm-up campaign with a 33-6 victory over Georgia at Murrayfield on Saturday.

MATCH REPORT: Italy convincingly beat Japan 42-21 on Saturday in both teams' final warm-up match before the World Cup in France.

REACTION: England coach Steve Borthwick lamented his side's poor tackling after a shock 22-30 loss to Fiji.

England player ratings live from Twickenham: It was Friday when Steve Borthwick’s assistant, Kevin Sinfield, calmly vouched that "getting better and improving is never a straight line".

MATCH REPORT: Fiji has caused one of the greatest upsets in rugby history beating England for the first time ever by 30-22 in a World Cup warm-up game at Twickenham on Saturday.

WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber chats to @king365ed after their 35-7 rout of the All Blacks at Twickenham at the weekend.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between England and Fiji at Twickenham Stadium in London.

STATEMENT: The real reason for Elton Jantjies' departure from the Springbok team has been revealed.

REPORT: Wales and British and Irish Lions player Rhys Webb is facing a potentially career-ending ban.

REACTION: The All Blacks were blasted as "panicky and rattled" by New Zealand media on Saturday.

REACTION: The All Blacks' already fragile second row stock suffered another major setback during their 7-35 defeat to the Springboks on Friday.

PREVIEW: The Wallabies' second row has a distinctly French flavour as skipper Will Skelton and Richie Arnold line up against many of their club teammates in Paris in their World Cup warm-up.

OPINION: Finn Morton rates the New Zealand players after their record 7-35 loss to South Africa at Twickenham on Friday.

REACTION: If Auckland was the wake-up call, Twickenham was the remedy for the defending World Cup champions South Africa.

OPINION: @king365ed rates the South African players after their record 35-7 win over New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday.

MATCH REPORT:  The Springboks made a big statement concluding their World Cup preparations with a resounding 35-7 win over the All Blacks at Twickenham on Friday.

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to our LIVE coverage of the World Cup warm-up match between New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium in London.

MATCH REPORT: The Cheetahs got their build-up to their new European campaign off to a victorious start.

PREVIEW: The world's top-ranked team, Ireland, completes its World Cup warm-up fixtures on Saturday by taking on Samoa in Bayonne.

PREVIEW: Scotland will be eager to fine-tune their squad when they host Georgia at Murrayfield on Saturday.

PREVIEW: The woes of the England rugby team since they started their preparations for the World Cup could not have been scripted any worse.

NEWS: A first for the United Rugby Championship is on the cards for the 2023/24 season when Ospreys play the Sharks in London at the Twickenham Stoop for their Round 3 match-up on November 3.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Will Skelton will become the 87th Wallabies captain when he leads the side onto Stade de France on Sunday for the side’s final Test before the 2023 World Cup.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: In another incredible effort to grow the sport, World Rugby has launched rugby’s first-ever global streaming platform RugbyPass TV.

NEWS: Former Wales head coach Wayne Pivac will lead Japanese second-division side NEC Green Rockets next season.

NEWS: Centre George Moala will miss all but one of Tonga's World Cup pool games after he failed in an appeal to have a five-match ban over-turned, World Rugby announced on Thursday.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former New Zealand flyhalf Lima Sopoaga will make his Samoa Test debut in this weekend's World Cup warm-up with Ireland.

WATCH as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi fronts up to the media ahead of his team's encounter with the All Blacks at Twickenham on Friday.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Despite heading in a new direction, Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat will stay true to the legacy of former skipper Steven Kitshoff.

PREVIEW: @king365ed brings you the views of both camps ahead of the World Cup warm-up match between arch-rivals South Africa and New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday.

PREVIEW: Head coach Jamie Joseph said Thursday that Japan had "turned the page" ahead of their final World Cup tune-up against Italy after a spate of red cards and injuries.

NEWS: England have suffered a fresh blow ahead of the World Cup.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Head coach Andy Farrell has named his matchday squad to face Samoa in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up fixture at Stade Jean-Dauger in Bayonne.

TEAM ANNOUNCMENT: Courtney Lawes will earn his 100th cap as England captain on Saturday as Steve Borthwick’s men take on Fiji at Twickenham Stadium in the last of Nations Series games before the start of the 2023 World Cup in France.

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Matthieu Jalibert will start at flyhalf in France's final World Cup warm-up match against Australia this weekend, head coach Fabien Galthie announced on Thursday.

WATCH as Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen previews the Twickenham Test against the All Blacks.

NEWS: Griquas confirmed the arrival of former Springbok lock Franco van der Merwe as the new assistant coach.